Title - One railway official returns money taken in TVI scam

NAGPUR: One retired Central Railway pointsman had lady luck smiling on him on Tuesday, when a senior officials returned Rs15,500 taken as part of the TVI Express scheme. Over 500 railway employees have reportedly been lured by officials to invest in the TVI Express, a network marketing company selling memberships.Pointsman Atmaram Govinda was given Rs15,500 on Tuesday by movement inspector (MI) Komal Gajbhiye working in the operating department. Govinda, who had no knowledge of the scheme, had been influenced into investing in it due to Gajbhiye's official position."Gajbhiye returned Rs15,500 when he came to my place. He asked me to say that the money was returned two months ago," Govinda told TOI. Govinda turned out to be lucky, but there are many more employees who want their money back but are not coming forward to lodge an official complaint fearing victimization at their workplace. Another MI reportedly called employees and former officials to promise that he will return the money.Although DRM Brijesh Dixit has not ordered an official probe, it is learnt that he is not happy with what has happened. The TVI scam has dented his image as a dynamic officer. A source said Dixit wants all MIs involved in the scam to be shunted out, but there is opposition from senior divisional operating manager (SrDOM), under whom the MIs work.Some officials want all MIs working for over 15 years on sensitive posts at the same place to be shunted out. But the SrDOM is not ready since these MIs are in his good books. The MIs deploy large number of pointsmen at the bungalows of officials and also look after transfer and postings of employees, where a lot of stakes are involved, railway sources said.

It is not only the TVI scam, Gajbhiye and others were also allegedly involved in selling 'miracle' pendants for Rs8,500 to employees, promising peace and prosperity at home. Some pointsmen said they were also asked to collect donation for Durga Puja festival and handed over receipt books. All these personal business transactions were done using official infrastructure and computers. Several officials involved, including Smriti Dayani, have gone on leave after the scam was reported.

Commenting on the issue, PRO PD Patil could only say that the DRM is serious about what has happened and has asked SrDOM Satyendra Kumar to look into the matter. "In next eight days you can see the results," Patil hinted.

However, those who were lured to become members even after TVI Express closed down in July 2010 are now asking whether the networking company had indeed taken the money. "The DRM should seek details about the Honda City car purchased by Gajbhiye," said a retired senior divisional safety officer (SrDSO), who lost Rs45,000 in the ponzi scam. Gajbhiye claims the car was bought on loan.

One of the peons of DOM Vilas Patil was also not spared. "I paid Rs15,500 to pointsman Ashok who assured that he will ensure two other members are also added as required. I don't understand anything about computers and did nothing except paying the money," said Patil.

Meanwhile, there were indications that a formal complaint was lodged in the matter with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Wednesday.